A Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Specialist plays a key role in ensuring that government supply chains remain resilient against risks such as cybersecurity threats, geopolitical instability, vendor disruptions, and regulatory non-compliance. Their responsibilities include:

Risk Identification and Assessment: Analyzing supply chain vulnerabilities, including threats from third-party vendors, foreign adversaries, and cybersecurity breaches.
Mitigation Strategies: Developing frameworks and contingency plans to prevent or minimize disruptions.
Compliance Management: Ensuring adherence to federal supply chain security regulations, such as NIST 800-161, DFARS, and ITAR.
Vendor Audits and Evaluations: Conducting assessments of suppliers to verify their security, resilience, and compliance with government standards.
Incident Response Planning: Establishing protocols for responding to supply chain disruptions, cyber incidents, and other risks.

Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist Job Description

Supply Chain Risk Management Specialists on government contracts are responsible for safeguarding the integrity, security, and efficiency of the supply chain. Their duties include:

Conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in procurement and logistics.
Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies to enhance supply chain security.
Monitoring compliance with government regulations and ensuring suppliers meet security and operational requirements.
Collaborating with procurement, IT security, and logistics teams to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Responding to and managing supply chain disruptions, including cyber threats, fraud, and geopolitical risks.

Job Requirements for a Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong understanding of supply chain risk management principles and methodologies.
Knowledge of government procurement regulations and compliance frameworks (NIST 800-161, DFARS, ITAR, FARS).
Experience in vendor risk management and supply chain security assessments.
Proficiency in data analysis tools and risk assessment methodologies.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background and Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in supply chain risk management, procurement, or logistics, preferably in a government contracting environment.
Relevant certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Third-Party Risk Professional (CTPRP) are a plus.

Workspace/Physical Requirements:

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel for vendor assessments and audits.
May require security clearance depending on the nature of government contracts.

What does a typical job posting look like for a Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist?

Job Posting Example:

“We are seeking a highly skilled Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist to support our government contracts by ensuring supply chain security and compliance. The ideal candidate will have expertise in risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and federal procurement regulations.”

Essential Job Functions:

Develop and implement supply chain risk management strategies.
Perform supplier audits and risk assessments.
Ensure compliance with federal security regulations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Monitor and respond to emerging supply chain threats.

Salary Range

The salary for a Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist working on government contracts typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and security clearance requirements.